Community News
Gillespie Council approves $15 million appropriation ordinance
The Gillespie City Council met in the Civic Center in front of an expanded audience.
With minimal discussion, the Gillespie City Council on Monday night approved a $15 million appropriation ordinance to govern municipal spending for the current fiscal year, which began May 1. Like the previous year’s ordinance, the new appropriation includes the authority to spend up to $10 million for water infrastructure improvements. Those improvements will be funded via a USDA Rural Development grant along with the proceeds of a USDA Rural Development loan.
Excluding the $10 million spending authority for the water project, the new appropriation totals $5,411,000—up about $300,000 from last year’s total of $5,117,000. While the annual appropriation ordinance is technically not a budget, it does establish the maximum amount of money the city can spend on specific line items. Though rare, municipalities can exceed spending ceilings by amending the appropriation ordinance.
[pullquote]Excluding the $10 million spending authority for the water project, the new appropriation totals $5,411,000—up about $300,000 from last year’s total of $5,117,000.[/pullquote]
Approval of the appropriation followed a public hearing, required by law, immediately prior to the council meeting. No members of the public attended the hearing and none of the aldermen had questions or comments about the document. City Treasurer Dan Fisher, who typically provides an overview of the appropriation ordinance, was absent. In previous presentations, Fisher has said the city’s annual expenditures typically total about $3.2 million, so the annual appropriation has a significant spending authority cushion.
The appropriation for the Water Department represents the lion’s share of the total appropriation. Excluding the $10 million appropriation for infrastructure improvements, a total of $1,857,750 is appropriated for the Water Department, compared with an appropriation of $1,687,750 last year. Other major appropriations include $800,500 for the Police Department, compared with $780,00 last year, and $788,000 for the Street Department, compared with $740,000 a year ago. A total of $509,660 is appropriated for the Sewer Department, compared with $489,660 last year, and $420,500 is appropriated for City Lakes and Parks, up from $402,300 last year. For General Administration Expenses, $271,500 is appropriated, compared with $238,900 last year.
The newly adopted ordinance appropriates $39,820, the same amount as the previous year, for Salaries of General Elective and Appointed City Officials. For the Municipal Administrative Building, $59,300 is appropriated, compared with $57,000 a year ago. Parks and Recreation Areas has an appropriation of $47,000, compared with $43,500 last year.
The ordinance appropriates $200,000 in Motor Fuel Tax funds for street maintenance, compared with $150,000 last year. Motor Fuel Tax funds are dedicated funds earmarked exclusively for road and bridge purposes.
The appropriation for expenditures from the Tax Increment Financing Fund (TIF) remains the same as last year at $215,000. Likewise, the appropriations for FICA Participation, Liability Insurance and Municipal Band also remain unchanged from the previous year at $90,000, $50,000 and $3,000, respectively. The appropriation for Emergency Services and Disaster Management remain the same as last year at $21,000. The appropriation for the Public Library stands at $38,270—the same as last year and the year before.
ENTERPRISE ZONE EXPANSION
In other action, the council voted to concur with a proposed expansion of the county Enterprise Zone, approved seven lake lot lease transfers, heard a presentation about a program available through Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital to thwart the sexual abuse of children, and took under advisement a proposal to enroll in FirstNet—a service available through AT&T to prioritize cell phone calls among emergency service providers in the event of an emergency.
Because of the number of people attending the meeting, most of whom came to see their lake lot lease applications approved, the meeting venue was moved out of the council chambers into the Civic Center.
Macoupin County Economic Development Coordinator Mary Beth Bellm was unable to attend the meeting to present the Enterprise Zone proposal but Joe Heyen appeared before the council representing the MJM Electric Cooperative. Heyen told the council the utility has plans to build a new headquarters facility on a 14.6-acre parcel of land located south of the Lewis and Clark Community College building on Shipman Road in Carlinville. Heyen said the utility has retained a contractor for the project and is asking for an expansion of the Macoupin County Enterprise Zone to include the construction site.
[pullquote]Gillespie, Carlinville and Macoupin County are equal partners in the Enterprise Zone.[/pullquote]
Gillespie, Carlinville and Macoupin County are equal partners in the Enterprise Zone. All three entities must approve the measure for the expansion to take place. The Carlinville City Council placed an identical ordinance on first reading at its meeting last week.
Including the site of the project in the Enterprise Zone will allow the utility to forego paying sales tax on construction materials purchased from vendors within the county.
CHILD ABUSE PROGRAM
Debbie Throne, a local resident employed as a nurse at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, appeared before the council to promote Stewards of Children, a two-hour training program available through Cardinal Glennon to train police, teachers and other professionals on recognizing and dealing with children who are victims of sexual abuse.
“This is a topic no one wants to talk about,” Throne said, yet it is an issue of greater magnitude than most people realize. “One out of 10 children will be abused before their 18th birthday.”
[pullquote]The Stewards of Children program addresses the issue of potential abuse inflicted by relatives or family friends.[/pullquote]
Of those children who experience sexual abuse, 75 percent “will never tell anyone about their abuse until they are adults.” A substantial number will never tell anyone about their abuse during their lifetime.
Throne said programs like “Stranger Danger” to alert children to the threat posed by sexual predators who might approach them on playgrounds or on the street are good programs but they fail to address the crux of the issue.
“Less than 10 percent of child sexual abuse victims are abused by a stranger,” she said. “Ninety percent are abused by someone they know and trust.”
The Stewards of Children program addresses the issue of potential abuse inflicted by relatives or family friends. The program is designed to increase awareness of the potential for child sexual abuse, and develop skills to recognize, prevent and react to abuse. Persons or organizations wishing to take advantage of the free program may contact Throne at Cardinal Glennon Hospital, (314) 577-5347, extension 1.
LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS
On a motion by Ald. Frank Barrett, the council approved seven lake lot lease transfers as follows:
- Lake Lot 364 to Jason and Jennifer Brown
- Lake Lot 418 to Brian Cox
- Lake Lot 414 to Mary Jantzen
- 13 Stump Lane to Danny Goodrich
- 36 Bishop Drive to Michael Gilreath and Diana Flowers
- Lake Lot 362A to Justin Thornhill
- Lake Lot 319 to Rex Meyers and Zachary Meyers
In a related matter, the council authorized City Attorney Kevin Polo to proceed with an eviction action against the owner of a lease at 10596 Walnut Lane. The city had demanded that the leaseholder complies with a requirement for having septic and sewage holding equipment inspected and approved by the end of April. Polo said the resident had complied with the requirement but it was May 31, a month after the deadline.
“We have terminated the lease,” Polo said. “We’re good to go with an eviction if you want to do that.”
Lake Committee Chair Barrett said there are other problems with the lot, including an accumulation of debris that is harboring vermin.
“For a while, he had a port-a-potty inside the cabin,” Barrett said.
“What I’m hearing is that you want me to proceed with the eviction,” Polo concluded.
FIRSTNET PHONE SYSTEM
Because of concerns about possible conflicts with existing union contracts, the council took under advisement a proposal to enroll in AT&T’s FirstNet phone program for police. Public Safety Chair Steve Kluthe said the program is a federal initiative that involves a special SIM card for cell phones used by police officers. In the event of a disaster, when the number of phone calls coming into and going out of the stricken area can overwhelm the system, the SIM card prioritizes phone calls among police and first responders.
“If there’s a major event, the SIM card gives priority,” Police Chief Jared DePoppe told the council. “It doesn’t get bogged down with other calls. We can get in touch with dispatch and other emergency services and not get clogged up with other calls.”
[pullquote]We can get in touch with dispatch and other emergency services and not get clogged up with other calls.[/pullquote]
DePoppe cited the Police Department’s experience with when a tornado struck downtown Gillespie.
Debbie Throne introduces the Stewards of Children program through Cardinal Glennon Hospital to the city council.
“We lost all radio contact,” DePoppe said. “All we had were cell phones. We had situations when we had no communication at all. This system would ensure that our calls would have priority.”
The cost of the program is $50 per month per phone.
“If we approve this for the police department, are we going to hear from other unions?” Kluthe asked. Current contracts limit cell phone expenses for city employees to $30 per month.
“Steve is right,” said Polo. “We would need to talk to the other unions. We will very shortly open negotiations. We can talk about this with them then.”
No action was taken pending collective bargaining negotiations.
COMMUNICATION ORDINANCES
The council unanimously approved two ordinances dealing with communications providers within the city. One deals with the establishment of “small wireless facilities” while the other addresses payment of franchise fees to the city from New Wave Communications.
Polo told the council that New Wave has applied under the State Licensing Act to supply its services via a state license. If the council took no further action, the city would no longer be able to collect franchise fees from the cable/internet/phone provider. Currently, New Wave pays the city five percent of its revenue collected in the city, which translates into an average of $4,014 per month.
“Under the State Licensing Act we can establish a fee and we can do it for the same amount we’ve been getting,” Polo said. “This doesn’t have to be passed, but if it’s not passed we’re going to stop getting the $4,014.19 per month.”
The small wireless facilities ordinance is based on an ordinance model recommended by the Illinois Municipal League to establish fees and guidelines for establishing “small wireless facilities”—essentially small 5G wireless systems. Typically, providers would mount antennas on existing utility poles for which the provider would pay the city an established fee.
“We don’t have to pass this one either,” Polo commented, “but if we want to be uniform with other communities that establish fees for this, we need to pass it.”
The council also approved an ordinance, required by law, obligating the city to use contractors who pay their employees prevailing wages as established by the Illinois Department of Labor.
Also approved was a resolution to modify the employee wage rate to include a $6.50 hourly raise previously approved for the Water Department Foreman.
Discussion of a potential ordinance to govern the use of drones in the city limits was tabled at the request of Ald. Kluthe.
MACOUPIN STREET LOT
Business owner Dave Link appeared before the council regarding the status of an appraisal and sale of a city-owned lot in the 200 block of Macoupin Street. The lot is adjacent to Link’s business. At least one other business has expressed an interest in buying the lot.
Polo told Link the appraiser has not yet given the city a final report on the value of the property. State law requires the city to sell the lot for a price that is at least 80 percent of the appraisal.
“He has a preliminary number,” Polo said. “We think we know what that number will be but we don’t have it yet.”
Link said minutes of the last city council meeting indicated the lot had been sold.
“In my view, it has not yet been sold,” Link said.
“That’s correct,” Polo replied.
An agenda item calling for consideration of an ordinance directing the sale of real estate was tabled, but it was unclear whether that proposed ordinance specifically referred to the lot on Macoupin Street.
CAMPGROUND ELECTRICAL BIDS
Following a brief discussion, the council agreed to obtain additional price quotes and give the committee power to act on awarding a contract upgrading electrical service to four campsites at Gillespie Lake. Lake Chair Barrett presented a bid and recommended accepting it, Kluthe said he had been approached by other contractors in the city who objected because they had not been given an opportunity to submit a price quote.
“It’s under $20,000, so you don’t have to put it out for bids but its a good practice,” Polo advised.
POTENTIAL LIEN
Kluthe advised Polo that the attorney may be asked to file a lien against a derelict property.
“It started out as a tall grass complaint,” Kluthe said. City workers, however, soon discovered there were existing health hazards at the home that required attention. “We had to do a special cleanup because of the bio-hazards.”
Kluthe said he has not yet received a bill for the cleanup but he expects it to total $5,200 or more.
“The house itself may have to be torn down,” Mayor Hicks noted.
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
On a motion by Ald. Kluthe, the council voted to advertise for applicants for a part-time position as an assistant city clerk to work with Krystal Norville in the clerk’s office. Kluthe said Norville rarely takes time off from the job and having a part-timer would provide the city with a backup in the event of an illness or emergency.
“This would be to our benefit,” he said.
“We need to look at someone who’s retired, maybe, to come in once or twice a month,” Mayor Hicks commented.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Gave the mayor power to act to establish separate banking accounts from which to pay for employee benefits. Polo told the council the measure is being required by the city’s benefit coordinator, whose contract was renewed at a cost of $6,600 per year. Previously the fees were deducted automatically from the city’s General Fund.
- Approved the purchase of eight security cameras and a computer from Carpani Technology Solutions for the city Water Treatment Plant.
- Agreed to sponsor a hole for the upcoming Macoupin County Safe Families golf tournament at a cost of $100.
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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.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
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The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
